'The game will remember you' - Yuvraj Singh, Kuldeep Yadav pay tribute to Lionel Messi after retirement announcement

One of football's greatest players ever, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's national team on Monday, August 31, 2026, ending 21 years of international duty. The football icon, who was 39 years old at the time, confirmed the decision after Argentina finished as runner-up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier in the summer. Messi's retirement came after he had guided Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, one of the defining moments of his career.

Indian cricketers were among those who paid tribute to the retiring football legend. Yuvraj Singh, the former India batsman, shared his admiration for Messi's career and legacy on social media.

"There are very few who become legends while they are still writing history. You are one of them, Leo. What a phenomenal career! The game will remember you long after the final whistle," Yuvraj Singh wrote on Instagram.

Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian left-arm wrist spinner and a Barcelona fan, also expressed his respect for Messi by resharing a video from Messi's account with the caption "Obrigado Leo," which translates to "Thank you, Leo."

Messi reflects on his retirement decision

Messi explained the timing of his retirement announcement in his official statement. He revealed that he had written his retirement letter on July 21, just two days after the World Cup final, but had delayed publishing it because his father was facing serious health issues that eventually claimed his life. The football legend shared his reasons for stepping away from international football.

"After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I'm retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment," Messi wrote.

"I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football," Messi added.

Messi further admitted that stepping away from the national team would be an emotional decision. He also highlighted the emergence of a new generation of Argentine players who are ready to take the team forward.

"There is not much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don't have anything more to give. Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here. I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!" Messi concluded.